HI folks, it's Sept 28th and I'm having gastric bypass Roux-en-y on December 19th. A few things:

For around 4 months, I've been walking fast and shooting baskets for around 45 minutes a day, meditating, and eating healthy (but too much). But night time eating is killing me and so I haven't lost the 15 I'm supposed to lose, though I am down about 5lbs. I feel pretty darn outta control from dinner time on. Any suggestions and also should I switch to one of the bariatric diets NOW? Please advise, getting nervous here mostly about the incredible radical change that's about to happen, plus a bit fearful about pain post op (recovering addict) and about messing up eating wise post op, thanks, pete

First, congratulations on all of the great exercise you are getting in. Exercise is going to be an important part of your new lifestyle, and the fact that you are already doing that is great.

Like you, pre-op one of my worst times was after supper until bedtime, when I would compulsively snack. For now, it seems like that is something you should try and work on. I am assuming since you have a specific date for your surgery that you already have a bariatric team that includes a dietitian/nutritionist (we use the acronym "NUT" for that). I highly recommend that you speak with your NUT about this, they can probably offer more specific advice tailored to your situation.

It is important to identify the reason why you are snacking. Are you bored? Are you anxious? Is it a habit associated with watching TV? Once you have identified the reason, you can start working on a solution. If you eat because you are bored, then try and keep yourself busy instead of watching TV, for example going on bariatricpal and participating in the various topics. Or go exercise. Do something to distract yourself.

Another idea would be to seek help from a therapist. Dealing with eating problems now will make it easier to cope with these things after surgery, so now is the time to work on this stuff.

Given how far you are from surgery, a pre-op liquid diet does not sound reasonable for you at this time. Most of the post-op diet doesn't really work because your stomach is still too large. That said, the post-op diet is essentially a low-carb, low-fat diet, so you could start there. As far as portion control is concerned, maybe try using a smaller plate, such as a salad plate, instead of regular size plates. Again, post-op your portions will be much smaller because you will not physically be able to eat as much, but you can certainly practice good habits such as eating slowly (take 1/2 hour to eat your meal), no carbonated beverages, practice not drinking anything 1/2 hour before until 1/2 hour after your meal, and chew thoroughly. And stop eating when you feel satisfied.

As far as pain goes, it differs from person to person. My pain was mostly the first two days in the hospital, by the fourth day I was on tylenol for the pain, and by the sixth day I was off all pain meds. But everyone is different. Speak with your doctor about the fact that you had an addiction and they should be able to come up with an appropriate pain management regimen for you.

If you follow the directions of your doctor and your NUT, you should have no problems losing weight post-op.

Welcome, and I look forward to hearing more from you!

Honestly I would suggest moving to a high Protein, low carb diet now. The more carbs you eat, the more you will crave them.

If you can kick those cravings now, you will be in good shape come surgery time.

I am guessing your snacking is chips, crackers, sweets....those types of Snacks.

Plan your snacks and Change them out for beef jerkey, nuts, cheese, Apple with Peanut Butter.

Only allow yourself one after dinner.

If you move to a protein rich, low carb diet and start getting rid of processed foods that have no nutritional value you will stay full longer as well.

Try adding a Protein shake as a Meal Replacement but choose one high in protein and very low in sugar. Premier Protein ready made shakes is a very good option. 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar, 160 calories.